I'm an American who recently visited Italy for the first time. Here's why I'm glad I made the trip now.

In May 2021, Italy announced it would open its doors to passengers from the United States without quarantine mandates.

As someone who dreamt of traveling to Italy for years, I booked a flight to Milan with my mom and sister.

At the time, the only way to enter Italy was to quarantine for 14 days or take a government-approved COVID-free flight. I chose the latter, which required a negative test before departure, a self-declaration form, and another rapid test or proof of vaccination or antibodies upon arrival.

However, before our flight, the policy changed, and anyone from the US could enter Italy with proof of vaccination, antibodies, or a negative test.

Right now, as of publishing, US citizens may travel to Italy for any reason, as long as they present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test within 72 hours of arrival and proof of full vaccination or a medical certificate confirming recovery from COVID no more than six months before departure. Otherwise, they must self-isolate on arrival for five days and take a PCR or rapid antigen test. This policy, which is available here, is in effect until December 15, 2021, after which it is likely to change.

I flew out of JFK, and even a major airport like this one seemed understaffed. Check-in alone took almost two hours, and I still had to go through security. If you plan on traveling anywhere in the near future at a busy airport, I recommend adding extra time.

Indeed, JFK suggests on their website that domestic travelers arrive at least two hours before their flight, and international travelers should budget no less than three hours.

The flight felt similar to those I'd experienced pre-COVID, except that the plane felt empty and I had an entire row to myself.

I was also required to wear a mask, which flight attendants strictly enforced, reminding passengers whose masks fell off while asleep. This made me feel safer on the eight-hour journey, as my first flight since the pandemic did trigger a bit of anxiety.

Masks were only to be removed during meal times, of which there were two. The meals looked like they always have — a tray with a meal and drink — and afterward, masks were to be put back on immediately.

When we landed, we went through customs as usual, as well as a separate COVID screening area that was streamlined and easy to navigate.

The COVID screening checked thoroughly for vaccination cards and soon I had my luggage and was off to take the train from the airport to Milan's city center.

I noticed that the train station was busy, but not overcrowded. Everyone wore masks and seating was socially distant.

I booked a stay at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, where everyone I saw followed the required masking policy, which required masks indoors, and elevators were limited to four people at a time.

When I ate breakfast outdoors, tables were socially distant and masks were not required unless dining indoors.

As a result, I felt extremely safe, even in public enclosed areas like the lobby and elevator.

Rome has many tourist attractions — the Vatican, Colosseum, and so much more. However, even with so many popular sites, the city didn't feel busy.

According to security at each location, these historical destinations used to have hour-long waits (or more) to get in. During my visit, I found there was zero wait time at every attraction I visited, which was part of why the trip felt so special. I got to experience the city without crowds, a true rarity in a place like Rome.

Before I arrived in Italy, family members warned me that the lines at the Vatican would be extremely long. So, I was quite surprised to find none and breezed through security with no wait.

Inside was also empty and I was able to fully appreciate everything. Masks were required to be worn throughout, and I saw the policy being enforced by security, in addition to many posted signs intended to remind visitors to keep theirs on.

Similar to the Vatican, I expected heavy lines, long waits, and crowds in the Colosseum. However, there was no line to enter and I enjoyed a clear view of everything inside without having to peer over crowds.

Masks were also enforced by security and lots of signage, and for the most part, visitors wore one for the entire duration of their visit.

Like the other trains, masks were required on my journey to Florence, I didn't see anyone trying to fight the rule.

When I arrived, I found the city to be even less crowded than Rome.

It seemed that all of the tourists in Italy were in Pisa as the famous Leaning Tower was the busiest site I experienced in Europe. As a result, I opted not to go into the tower because the long line incurred about a two-hour wait.

To avoid a wait, you can purchase tickets online in advance.

The piazza was breathtaking, especially at sunset, offering views over the entire city. However, the crowds were not worth it. I felt claustrophobic surrounded by so many people, despite the large space and there was very little mask wearing because it was outdoors. If I visited again, I'd opt to go earlier in the day when there are supposedly fewer crowds.

If I could spend the rest of my life in one place, I'd probably choose Venice. The city is breathtaking and, with no cars, the only modes of transportation are by boat or foot.

Our gondola guide told us that Venice remained much quieter than pre-COVID with far fewer tourists than was typical.

I booked the JW Marriott in Venice, which is 15 minutes away from the main city by boat on its own private island. As a result, it felt like a personal oasis with no loud city noises.

I noticed that everyone at the hotel followed guidelines to wear masks and stay socially distant on the property and boat. The elevators were limited to two people at a time, and plastic screens were placed around the concierge and front desk area. It felt as if they followed COVID guidelines much more than we do in the US.

Upon entry into the last hotel I booked, the Four Seasons Milan, my temperature was immediately taken, which didn't happen at any other hotel.

While I appreciated the extra step, Insider has reported that temperature taking as a COVID safety precaution is not accurate, and "may lull people into a false sense of security," calling it "nothing more than pandemic security theater."

In addition, masks were to be worn at all times.

The Duomo is a gorgeous structure, unlike anything I had ever seen before. As a result, I wanted to experience it at night and during the day and found it to be without crowds at both times. There wasn't much mask wearing, however, it felt safe due to the large space and lack of people.

I popped into Italy's most popular department store, Rinascente, which had almost seven levels filled with beauty items, clothing, and home decor. It was one of the more crowded places that I visited on this trip.

At the time, I was required to show a negative COVID test before returning home, which my hotel offered.

At the airport in Milan, I showed my negative test results and answered a slew of questions before going through security. The airport was less crowded than in the US but had similar questioning and restrictions. I also thought it was more streamlined than back home, and I experienced fewer lines and was able to avoid crowds of people.

As for the flight, it was the same as on the way to Italy, albeit with far less excitement in the air.